A local family’s new year began with a miracle after their beloved pet was rescued from an illegal snare near the R40 outside Mbombela on January 1.

The dog, which had been missing for two days, was successfully tracked and reunited with its owners thanks to the tireless efforts of the South African Bush Warrior Association (SABWA).

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The ordeal began when the dog disappeared during a routine daily walk. After 48 hours of searching yielded no results, Jaco Klopper of SABWA was called in to lead a search and rescue operation in the dense terrain where the pet was last seen.

“The search took us through open grasslands, riverine areas, and dense indigenous forests. After trekking for several kilometres, the team caught a break when they discovered a fresh spoor on a narrow wildlife trail. For the next six hours, the team meticulously followed the trail, sign by sign, covering nearly 12 kilometres on foot through dense and challenging bushveld before finally locating the animal,” he said.

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Klopper added that the dog was found trapped by a wire snare around its front paw, which was severely swollen. Rescuers found the animal critically dehydrated following 48 hours without food and water.

“I am grateful that we managed to rescue the dog, as the situation could have ended tragically if we had not responded in time. After the snare was removed, the dog was picked up and reunited with its relieved owners,” Klopper reported.

While this story ended happily, he issued a stern warning regarding the use of snares in the area. Often set by poachers seeking bushmeat, these indiscriminate traps pose a deadly threat to both wildlife and domestic pets.

Klopper condemned the practice as a form of extreme cruelty, noting that pets are increasingly falling prey to traps intended for wild animals.